How to Select Only Text in Microstation?

Understanding Element Selection in MicroStation

Selecting text in MicroStation can streamline your workflow, especially when dealing with complex drawings. Follow these detailed steps to effectively select only text elements:

Step 1: Access the Element Selection Tool

Begin by opening your MicroStation workspace and locate the toolbar. Click on the Element Selection tool, which often resembles a pointing hand or arrow. This tool is essential for any selection activity within the application.

Step 2: Configure Tool Settings

Once the Element Selection tool is active, direct your attention to the tool settings panel. Look for an option labeled "Method." Ensure that "Individual" is chosen to allow selections of single elements at a time. Next, set the "Mode" option to "New" to start a fresh selection without adding to any existing selections.

Step 3: Selecting Text Elements

To specifically select text, navigate to the area within your drawing containing the text elements. Hold down the key on your keyboard. While maintaining this hold, click on each text element individually that you wish to select. This will allow you to build a selection set comprised solely of the text entries you choose.

Step 4: Deselecting Text Elements

If you accidentally select a text entry or want to refine your selection, you can easily deselect elements. While still holding the key, click on any text element that is highlighted. This action removes the selected text from your active selection set.

Additional Selection Techniques

For more efficient selection techniques, consider these:

• Rectangle Selection: Click and drag a rectangle around multiple text elements to select them simultaneously. Ensure that the selection rectangle encapsulates the text portions you want.

• Using the Quick Select Method: While holding down the key, you can swiftly add or remove text elements from your selection without needing to visit the tool settings each time.

Fine-Tuning Selection with Filters

MicroStation offers filtering options for more precise selection. If your drawing contains various types of elements, you can adjust the selection criteria. Go to the "Select By Attributes" tool to filter selections based on characteristics like level, color, and type. Selecting the "Text" attribute will help you narrow down your selections to text elements only.

Quick Tips for Effective Text Selection

• Always ensure you are in the correct Mode (e.g., New or Add) before starting your selection process.
• Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to enhance your workflow speed.
• Regularly save your selections if you are working with large files requiring multiple layers of selection.

FAQ

How do I select multiple text elements in MicroStation?
You can select multiple text elements by holding down the key and individually clicking on each text element. Alternatively, utilize the rectangle selection by clicking and dragging around the texts you want to select.

Can I deselect all selected elements at once?
Yes, to quickly deselect all selected elements, navigate to View > Home > Selection and choose ‘Select None’ to clear all selections.

Is it possible to select text by attributes in MicroStation?
Absolutely. Use the "Select By Attributes" tool to filter selections based on specific attributes like text style, level, or color, making it easier to identify and select the desired text elements.